abc.net.au/news/sirex-wasp-invasive-pest-pine-plantations-nematodes-biocontrol/102509584Scientists have discovered a new biocontrol measure to fight a destructive wasp that attacks the softwood pine trees we rely on to build our homes and furniture.
It is considered both "exciting and significant" for adding much-needed genetic diversity to the timber industry's biocontrol options."It has two very distinct forms — one which feeds on the Sirex fungus, and then when it's in proximity to Sirex larvae, it converts into a parasitic form and burrows into the larvae, reproduces and invades the reproductive organs of the developing females," Dr Nahrung said.
"It's a very safe system; I know with biocontrol, people freak out because of all the mistakes made from the past with the cane toad, but no, this is very safe.""They use a trap tree plot program where they stress trees using herbicides so they're attractive to the wasps, and the wasps then concentrate on that trap tree plot.